Tattoo artist attending Albuquerque’s New Mexico Tattoo Fiesta July 7-9, 2017 illustrates desert-focused children’s book to be available at the event. Two worlds that don’t usually collide- tattooing and children’s literature – bring together those that appreciate art and life in the Southwest.

The New Mexico Tattoo Fiesta will take place at Isleta Resort and Casino July 7-9, 2017 – and clients there to get new ink can also find ink in the form of a book for the children in their lives.

Ed Slocum, voted one of Tucson’s “Best Tattoo Artists”, has illustrated a charming children’s fable focused on a pack rat, one of the Sonoran Desert’s most notorious residents. Slocum’s black and white illustrations mirror one of his favorite styles of tattooing, a black and grey style almost like charcoal drawings or pen and ink. The book’s illustrations were created digitally on an iPad in between tattoo sessions that make up a very busy schedule of customers who book Slocum sometimes months ahead of time. The illustrations are dark, and reminiscent of children’s stories from decades ago. Not many tattoo artists have illustrated children’s books, but Ed’s talents made him a perfect fit for the job.

“I told my mom about it, and she was very excited to hear I had done this. ‘You’re finally doing what you should be doing!’” Slocum laughed, “Though I’ve been tattooing for 20 years.”

Alanna Roethle (Ray-thlee), Arizona writer, found the right illustrator for her story, which is geared toward younger listeners and children with a third-to-fourth grade reading level, when she became one of Slocum’s tattoo clients. Their collaboration resulted in a book that teaches children about the desert and the plants and animals seen around Arizona, as well as a little more about Neotoma devia, the species of pack rat found only in far western Arizona and northwestern Sonora, Mexico.

“I loved darker stories and illustrations as a child,” Roethle said. “I think the story and style of art bring together two worlds that don’t often collide and I love that about it.”

The book is available in paperback for $8.99 from Amazon, and will be sold at the 3-day festival in Albuquerque.